Ronaldo highest paid sportsman in the world with nearly 124 million euros
NOS Football–
For the first time since 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo can once again call himself the world’s highest-paid athlete. With Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, the top three consists entirely of soccer players.
Last year, Ronaldo switched from Manchester United to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. In total, Ronaldo earns about 68 million euros in salary. With all other income added, that amount rises to nearly 124 million euros. The American business magazine Forbes, which compiles the list, adds together salaries and personal sponsorship income.
His eternal rival Lionel Messi follows in second place with 118 million euros. The Argentine plays for Paris Saint-Germain, which is owned by Qatar Sport Investments. Kylian Mbappé, also a PSG player, is third with 109 million euros. The 24-year-old Frenchman is the youngest athlete in the top 10.
Besides the big footballers, more influence from the Middle East is visible. Golfers Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson joined the new LIV Series, funded by a Saudi investment fund. Both men enter with just under 100 million in earnings among the first ten.
Old acquaintances
American basketball legend LeBron James ranks fourth with “only” half a million less than Mbappé. Fellow basketball players Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are also among the top ten. At five is Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez. Furthermore, Roger Federer, now retired from tennis, is also still in the top 10.
For now, Forbes has only announced a top-10. Last year, racing driver Max Verstappen was the highest-paid athlete from the Netherlands, at spot 26.
